Paint has a variety of different viscosities, depending on the type of paint and the technique used to mix it. Sometimes, you need a thicker paint than usual. You may need heavy paint to cover the darker colors on the walls or change your craft paint to finger paint. Thickeners can change the thickness to your liking and add new textures to the artwork you create.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Thicken Latex Wall Paint
Step 1. Purchase a thickening agent
You can buy a paint thickener at your nearest home improvement store. Most of the thickening agents for latex paints are made from hydroxyethyl cellulose which works best with latex.
Make sure the thickener you buy is compatible with the latex paint
Step 2. Mix the thickening agent into the paint
Read the instructions for use on the bottle of thickener to find out how much to use. Usually, you'll need to add a tablespoon at a time, depending on the amount of paint you're using.
- For best results, add less thickening agent than recommended, then slowly add back until you get the consistency you want.
- Adding more thickening agent than recommended can cause the paint to crack and peel when applied to walls.
Step 3. Stir the paint
Use a stirring brush to mix the thickener into the paint. The paint will thicken when stirred. If the paint isn't thick enough, add more thickening agent little by little while stirring.
Step 4. Test your paint
Scratch a little paint on the wall to test the thickness. Allow the paint to dry completely before checking the result. The paint should not crack or peel at all. If the paint looks good and the color is even, you can finish painting the entire wall surface.
Method 2 of 4: Thicken School Tempera Paint
Step 1. Prepare the necessary materials
You'll need cornstarch, water, a saucepan, tempera paint, and a covered container to thicken the paint. Prepare all these materials when starting this project.
Step 2. Heat the cornstarch and water
Place 4 teaspoons of cornstarch and 3 cups of water in a saucepan. Stir until completely mixed. Heat this mixture over low heat while stirring. Stir until the cornstarch is dissolved and the mixture becomes smooth and thick.
Step 3. Cool the dough
When the mixture is smooth and thick, remove the pan from the stove and let it cool. Stir the dough after it has completely cooled.
Step 4. Put the cornstarch mixture into the paint
Slowly add the cornstarch mixture to the tempera paint, stirring occasionally. Use a spoon to add the cornstarch mixture or slowly pour it into the paint. Continue to add the cornstarch mixture until you get the desired consistency.
Step 5. Save the remaining cornstarch mixture
Use a closed container to store the remaining cornstarch mixture. You can use this thickening agent to thicken the tempera paint the next day.
Method 3 of 4: Thicken Acrylic Paint
Step 1. Purchase a thickener to add to the paint
There are many craft stores that sell specialty mixes for acrylic paints. Liquitex and Golden are two popular brands of acrylic paint mixes. Look for a quick-drying matte or gel-based thickener to maintain the color of your paint.
- Mix a little thickening agent with the paint.
- Stir the paint and test for consistency on a small piece of paper.
- Dry the paint on the paper and observe the color and thickness of your brush strokes.
- Add more thickening agent if you want a thicker paint.
Step 2. Use a textured gel to increase the thickness of the paint
There are many gel-based thickeners that contain special substances to mimic the texture of sand or stucco. Mix the textured gel with the paint to give it a different texture.
You can experiment with adding a little sand or husk powder for extra texture
Step 3. Mix the model paste into the paint
Add a little modeling paste to increase the thickness of the paint so that it shows through your brush strokes.
The model paste will turn white as it dries, which can change the color of your paint
Method 4 of 4: Adding Viscosity to Oil Paint
Step 1. Mix beeswax and turpentine to make a paste
Mix beeswax and turpentine in a 1:3 ratio. Mix the turpentine with the beeswax until an even mixture is formed.
Step 2. Pour the mixture into the paint to get the desired consistency
Mix paint and paste directly into your palette.
Step 3. Use a commercial paint thickener
Visit your nearest craft store and look for a wide selection of thickeners that specialize in oil paints. There are many commercial paint thickeners that can provide texture or add thickness to the paint. Choose a thickening product based on the look you want to get; some products may change the color or light reflection of the paint.
- Mix the thickening agent with the paint according to the instructions on the sales package.
- Adjust the amount of thickener added to the paint until it reaches the desired consistency.
Tips
- Add the thickening agent slowly little by little until you get the desired consistency. You don't want to make the paint too thick and difficult to use.
- Wear gloves when adding the thickener to the paint so it doesn't touch your skin.
- Read the directions on the paint thickener package before starting. Make sure the thickener you choose matches the type of paint you are using.
- Water-based paint can be left exposed to allow the water inside to evaporate and the paint to turn thick.
- A small amount of textured paint will thicken the emulsion. Stir this paint with an unused mixer outdoors. The paint color will appear lighter.
Warning
- Do not use cornstarch as a thickening agent for wall paint. This material can trigger the appearance of mold on the paint surface over time.
- Test the paint on a small area of the wall before painting the entire surface of the wall.
- 1-2 drops of Wintergreen oil can prevent mold from forming in the cornstarch mixture, but it is toxic and should be used with extreme care. Children can't wear it. The use of this material has been successfully tested on paper decoction for model making.
- The use of the stove to heat cornstarch and water must be carried out by adults.
